Final answer:
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, stored as carbohydrates like glucose. Carbon dioxide is reduced and water is oxidized in the presence of sunlight, ultimately producing glucose and oxygen gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process referred to in the question is photosynthesis, which is a biological procedure used by plants to transform solar energy into chemical energy. This energy is stored in the form of carbohydrates, such as glucose. During photosynthesis, the reaction carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose + oxygen gas occurs, wherein carbon dioxide is reduced to form glucose, and water is oxidized to produce oxygen gas. Plants use the glucose for their growth and energy needs, while oxygen is released as a beneficial byproduct.
Furthermore, during the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis, the light energy captured is used to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms. This cycle is critical because it is the phase in photosynthesis where atmospheric carbon dioxide is converted into organic carbon compounds like glucose.
Through the connected processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, organisms are able to sustain life by converting solar energy into chemical energy and utilizing that energy for growth and metabolism.